Canned beans can be added to salads and salsa, and used as a topper for nachos and other favorite summertime appetizers. Worried about sodium? According to research, draining and rinsing canned foods with water can reduce sodium by as much as 41 percent.

Let’s give some love to one of the most-underappreciated legumes around! Lentils are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. These burgers have more than 20 grams of protein per serving and will please even the most-devoted meat eater.

Giada De Laurentis's Grilled Salmon and Pineapple Avocado dressing as seen on Food Network

Don’t forget the pescatarians (vegetarians who eat fish). Salmon is always a smart choice, since it’s low in mercury and filled with heart-healthy Omega-3 fats. Want to save some money? Try canned salmon; it’s just as nutritious, and perfect for burgers and salads.

Move over, guacamole — it’s next to impossible to find a dip that’s as high in protein as this one. Soybeans are also unique because they’re one of the few plant-based sources of protein with a full profile of amino acids (the building blocks of protein).